Here are a few tips to get you ready for a hot market and make sure your home is considered the “shiny penny”!

Have you ever wondered why one house on a street sells in a few days, while another home with a similar floor plan takes weeks or months? We call it the “shiny penny” rule. Think of it this way, if you have 2 pennies, they are worth exactly the same: 1 cent….. However, wouldn’t you rather have that pretty shiny penny over the dull, dirty penny? That’s what potential buyers subconsciously are doing with your home. You may have a great house with even an edge in features, size or location, but if the house down the street is a shiny penny, it may just sell first.

Here are some tips to make your home the shiny penny of your neighborhood:

1- De clutter- prior to listing, take each room and put 3 boxes in the room. 1 box is for the trash, 1 box is for a thrift shop or consignment, and the last box is for your “future” house and temporary storage.

Examples of what you put in the boxes: excessive family photos, books, knick knacks, clothing from the season you are not wearing now, and anything that does not bring you joy or is not useful (check out the book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” for more on this topic)

2-Touch up- Are there scuffs on the walls? Do you have marks on the floor? Are there stains on the carpet? Consider painting the walls & trim, refinishing the floor, professionally clean or replace the carpet in order to help make your home “move in ready”. Do you have interesting paint colors? Are they outdated or outrageous? Paint in a neutral color that will appeal to your potential buyer.

3- Clean, clean, & clean again. Hire a professional. You’ll want the kitchen and baths spotless. Get rid of any mold in the grout in the tile. Make sure there is no dust on the ceiling fan. Remove 1/3 of the items in your pantry and closets. You want this space to look huge. Fewer items will make it seem larger.

4- Curb appeal is very important. Trim shrubs if they are blocking windows or the porch. Throw out some grass seed or fertilize your yard. Pine straw will work wonders on a not so shapely yard or garden bed. Remove weeds & blow leaves. You want your yard to look as if it takes no effort to keep it looking beautiful. You’ll also want to repair any wood rot on windows or door trim. Does the outside of your home need painting? Perhaps only the trim needs some attention? A freshly stained deck can look brand new versus the same deck with a 4 year old stain. Stand at the end of your driveway and be critical. There are small items you can do now to make your home a show-stopper from the curb.

5- Does each space inside and outside have a purpose? Add pillows to a window seat, create a small office or sitting area in a current space crammed with “stuff”. Create a gathering place outside on the deck or in the yard. If your home feels inviting, a potential buyer will also feel at home and comfortable in this space. As soon as they start picturing their items in your home, you’ll be one step closer to a full price contract!

Knowing what to do is difficult. Removing items you’ve had in your personal space for years is not an easy task to take on. Let us help you make these decisions. We know what buyers are looking for in a home and can point you in the right direction!

Call or email us for a consultation today!